What do you think of when you hear the word spy? Maybe James Bond or the CIA. But increasingly, if you say the word spy to us cyclists, we might think of the @CyclingSpy Instagram account.
This pseudonymous account has become a fascinating source of spotted tech, product leaks, and aero observations. One day it’s a new frame, the next a new arm warmer texture.
Always sharp. Often first. Occasionally blunt. But never identified. If there’s an aero gain to be found – or a questionable one to debunk – they’ve probably already posted about it, broken it down, and made you wonder if we really understand what makes you fast.
People speculate – a lot – as to who it might be. Some say it’s me. (It’s not, but then I would say that if I wanted to remain anonymous, right? Others are convinced it’s Dan Bigham. There’s even a theory that it's multiple people. But who is it behind the scenes, and – most importantly – are they qualified to provide these insights?
I got the chance to sit down virtually with the Spy for an episode of Performance Process, but rather than talk narrowly about aero hacks or gear comparisons, I wanted to understand the thinking behind the account, their background, and why they keep their real name and professional background out of it. Of course, no podcast would be complete without some performance lesson, and what followed was one of the most illuminating conversations I’ve had on this podcast.
CyclingSpy’s glimpse into the future of aero, the philosophy of optimisation, testing for outcomes versus understandings, and what it really means to chase speed through knowledge is one I feel we might only fully appreciate when we look back in years to come.
Side note: This week’s episode won’t be the last time you hear CyclingSpy on the Performance Process podcast. In fact, CyclingSpy will be joining us once a month for a dedicated performance tech-related episode in which the Spy will first provide their take on a specific topic, perhaps a new aero bike launch or a new aero trend. Then, in the second half of the show the Spy will answer listener questions.
Escape Collective members can submit their questions for the Spy here. That said, we simply can’t answer which TT helmet works best for you or individual-specific bike fitting/aero position questions. With that in mind, try to keep your questions focused on topics and trends that will broaden our collective understanding, and a voice note of around one minute is perfect.
Effective espionage means not breaking cover
There’s a certain power in being unknown. In a world and sport obsessed with celebrity status, recognition, and high-profile endorsements, the CyclingSpy account offers none of this to the person behind it and, as we’ll find out, that’s kind of its strength.
What we do know offers a glimpse of deep technical credibility. He (the Spy is a he) lists off degrees and experience working in aerospace engineering, Formula 1, and thousands of hours in the wind tunnel with less bluster than many of us might talk about events we’ve ridden.
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